Chandler unmarried partner attorney

Helping unmarried partners in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and the rest of the Phoenix Valley with family law issues

With all the emphasis in the news about celebrity divorces and increases in the divorce rate, people who choose not to marry, are not yet married, or are not able to marry tend to get lost in the shuffle. Yet unmarried partner issues are no less real or important than those of married individuals. These issues include:

How do you divide assets and debts should things go astray?

Who gets primary custody of the children or keeps the pets?

What happens to the house you bought together?

These are all crucial questions that should be handled with the help of a Chandler unmarried partner attorney who understands these issues and truly cares.

The challenges of unmarried partner dissolutions

Being unmarried and having family difficulties complicates matters in ways you might not imagine until you are personally involved and in the midst of trouble. For example, you don’t have the benefit of a marriage certificate to help assert your legal rights. You may have the benefit of an unmarried partnership agreement, but unfortunately documents such as this are highly underused.

The mere fact that you are unmarried means that if any child custody, parenting time, or child support issues come up, you must first establish paternity. This may sound absurd, but unless the parents were married at the time of the child’s birth, or 10 months either way, Arizona law does not presume that paternity resides with the man with whom the mother is having a relationship. A man can voluntarily agree that he is the child’s father, such as by signing a document at the hospital when the baby is born or at some point later, to be included on the birth certificate. But if he refuses or there is a question, then you must convince a court to order DNA testing to determine the identity of the biological father.

Contact a Chandler unmarried partner attorney

It is critical to protect yourself, your family, and your future if you are in an unmarried relationship. Should the relationship unravel, be sure to have an Arizona family lawyer who is experienced with and sensitive to such matters by your side. Call Joan Bundy Law at 480.463.4600 to talk with a Chandler unmarried partner attorney about your unique situation and learn more about your legal options in Arizona.

Joan is very personable and professional, and very knowledgeable. I knew when I first met with her she was my best option representing me in my custody, support battle.

M. S.child custody matter

I felt as though Ms. Bundy provided me with not only excellent legal advice but also took a personal interest in how I was coping during the divorce. She always responded immediately to any text and phone messages and responded to my requests for document changes in a very timely manner.

K. H.divorce matter

I need to remember that there are good people out there like you! Thank you for being an advocate for animals.

M. V.animal/neighbor dispute

From day one, Joan has been right on top of things, keeping me up to date on what has been happening, whether it be an email or a phone call. She has shared what the next step would be and what I could expect….I would highly recommend Joan to anyone.

M. N.divorce/separation matter

I was very impressed with the legal services that Joan provided and she was able to assist in me getting my overpaid alimony money back.